Best of NAMM 2016: 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Every year, many established as well as new brands of musical instruments come up with latest audio products and music-related apps, combining technology with music. All these high-tech and superior quality products are display at the annual trade show, which is produced by the Carlsbad-based National Association of Music Merchants.

All passionate musicians out there wait passionately for this amazing music trade show for getting their hands on the latest technology. Just like any other year, this year’s NAMM show was no different. The show was full of new guitars, amps, drums, pro audio equipment, and other music accessories.

Although the event was flooded with outstanding music instruments, but we picked seven best and coolest gears to add superior quality to your compositions. Here’s the best of NAMM 2016, enjoy!

1. Aerodrums For Oculus Rift

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

It is simply one of the best thing that caught our eye at NAMM. Aerodrom developers have introduced Aerodrums – a virtual reality Oculus Rift virtual instrument. It is an air drumming musical instrument that utilized VR technology to create fully-functional drum set. So, drummers, who lack space for an acoustic or electronic drum kit, can sure get the Aerodrums for practicing. Plus, this amazing system will also help you to stop annoying you parents and neighbors while playing.

The user can even customize the drum set to allow for their preference of drum, cymbal and pedal configuration. Moreover, Aerodrums’ MIDI compatibility allows the instrument to sync with other music software or hardware. Aerodrums kit includes the sticks, stick tips, reflective strips, light and software. The full set retails worldwide for $199, and its upgrade will be available in Q2 2016

2. Dave Mustaine Signature USA VMNT Holy Grail

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Good news for Megadeth fans- Dean Guitars has unveiled the new Dave Mustaine Signature USA VMNT Holy Grail. This Dave Mustaine Signature guitar boasts blood red paint job that’s embellished with 24K Gold Leaf finishing. Celebrating 33 years of Megadeth, the one-of-a-kind gold-lead guitar is limited to only 33 pieces. It also features Dave Mustaine Seymour Duncan Live Wire pickups, Tone Pros Bridge and Dave’s D-shaped neck profile. The guitar will come in a hard shell case, along with a certificate of authenticity and Megadeth-inspired serial number marking a specific year of Megadeth’s legacy.

3. Mackie DC16 Control Surface

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Mackie has launched the Dante-enabled DC16 control surface for its popular DL32R 32-channel digital mixer. With DL32R digital mixer, the all new DC16 control surface can deliver a scalable wireless mixing. The system comes with 32 remote-controllable Onyx+ mic preamps and 16 outputs paired with massive built-in DSP. So, it is perfectly suited for medium and large channel count applications.

The system relies on Dante for communication between the DL32R mixer and DC16 control surface, enabling additional networking capability for professional applications. Moreover, the system can be customized via iPad to meet specific workflow needs and flexible multi-track recording.

4. Starstream Type-1 Modeling Guitar

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Vox’s latest Starstream Type-1 Modeling instrument is designed to redefine electric guitar. It provides a wide range of 27 different tones including electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synths and other stringed instruments.

The guitar is incorporated with Areos-D system, digital signal processor, specially-voiced Vox XLM magnetic pickups for electric guitar sounds, piezo pickup in each saddle for acoustic tones, as well as the familiar volume and tone adjusters and the pickup selector. The guitar will be released this May and June for $800 in five color options.

5. New Yamaha Electric Violin

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Yamaha’s Silent Violin series of electric instruments was launched way back in 1996. This year, the company has added another Yamaha Electric Violin to the series. It is available in two models, each with either four or five strings. Frame of the electric violin is based on mathematically and aesthetically interesting Möbius strip.

It features an infinite loop that’s made of wood. To be precise the violin consists of six kinds of wood: the solid center body is made from maple, mahogany, and spruce, whereas the frame is constructed of walnut. The maple neck is lined with a solid rosewood fingerboard and ebony tuning pegs. Both models are available with a natural wood body, or in a modern gloss black finish. Priced less than $1000, the latest electric violin will be available for shipment this May.

6. Alesis’ Electronic Drum Kits

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Alesis has unveiled its all-new five-piece Strike range electronic drum kits. According to the company, it’s first-ever electronic kits to deliver the best of both acoustic drums and electronic drums. The drum set is designed to produce outstanding playability, sound quality, along with stylish looks. There are two kits, known as Zone and Pro. Both flaunts drum and cymbal designs to give an ultimate sound experience and control over the instruments. These two kits will be available in Q2 this year, Strike Zone for $1,640 and Strike Pro is priced at $2,497.

7. New Cirrus 4 Bass Guitar

Best of NAMM 2016 7 coolest gears for passionate musicians

Peavey has revamped their Cirrus 4 bass guitar with 35-inch scale maple neck-thru bass. Plus, mahogany stringers features a Rosewood or Pau Ferro fingerboard with 24 frets and a two-way, fully-adjustable torsion rod. The Cirrus was first released in 1997 as Peavey’s flagship bass guitar line. Now it’s back with high-end features due to its high demand among customers. The Cirrus 4 bass guitar even includes string-thru ferrules, 19:1 ratio Gotoh tuning machines and milled brass bridge. It is further incorporated with satin gold hardware and DR Dragonskin strings.

The following two tabs change content below.

Sunil Chandel

Sunil has been blogging about autos, consumer gadgets and home improvement ideas from a couple of years. When he is not writing, you can find him riding his royal enfield motorcycle, listening to music and showing off his football skills